Manual spray cleaner and protectants

ABSTRACT

A manual spray cleaner for removing dirt and stains from fabrics and carpets comprising a spray bottle having two separate chambers and a single dispensing spray outlet for dispensing controlled amounts of liquids from each of the chambers. One of the chambers has a fabric/carpet cleaning composition therein and the other chamber has an oxidizing composition that enhances the cleanability of the fabric/carpet cleaning composition. The fabric/carpet cleaning composition and the oxidizing composition are simultaneously drawn from their respective chambers and mixed together at the time that they are dispensed from the spray bottle. At least one of the oxidizing composition and the fabric/carpet cleaning composition includes a fabric/carpet protectant. The two compositions are mixed before or after they are sprayed from the bottle. The two compositions can be pressurized with an aerosol propellant or drawn from their respective chambers by a mechanical pump.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/604,780, filed Aug. 15, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/320,145, filed Apr. 25, 2003,entitled “Manual Spray Cleaner and Protectants” and U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/319,548, filed Sep. 13, 2002, entitled “ManualSpray Cleaner and Protectants”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to carpet and fabric cleaners. In one of itsaspects, the invention relates to a manual spray cleaner composition. Inanother of its aspects, the invention relates to a system for cleaningand protecting carpets and fabrics. In yet another of its aspects, theinvention relates to a method for cleaning fabrics and carpets. In stillanother of its aspects, the invention relates to a method for cleaningand protecting fabrics and carpets.

2. Description of the Related Art

The performance of cleaning compositions with an oxidizing agentdeteriorates over a relatively short time if the reactive agents arestored together in a single chamber. For example, when an oxidizingagent is in a cleaning composition containing an activator, theoxidizing agent is stable for only a limited time period. Instabilitynot only reduces the cleaning effectiveness of the composition but mayalso lead to increased pressure build-up causing the closed chamber tobuckle or burst. As a result, various systems have been developed toseparately store two-component cleaning compositions and mix the agentsupon or immediately prior to application to the desired surface.

The Choy et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,767,055 discloses an apparatus forcleaning a hard surface, such as kitchen and bathroom tile, comprising adual chamber bottle having a spray applicator for dispensing a mixtureof compositions from each of the two chambers. One of the chamberscontains a builder or chelating agent composition and the other chamberincludes a hypohalite or hypohalite generator such as sodiumhypochlorite as a bleaching agent. The two components of the compositionare mixed upon spraying onto a surface.

The Kobyashi et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,869,440 and the Unilever PCTPublication No. WO 95/16023 both disclose two part bleachingcompositions which comprise a peroxide composition and a detergentcomposition which are stored separately and sprayed onto hard surfacesat the time of combination.

The Van Dyck et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,635,372 discloses a housing mountinga pair of aerosol chambers, one containing an incapacitating fluid andthe other containing a gas. The aerosol chambers have output valves thatare connected through tubes to an output nozzle and a whistle. A triggeris pivotally mounted to the housing and moves laterally to displace avertically movable actuator for simultaneously opening both aerosolvalves in the chambers for dispensing the fluid and gas in the chambers.

The Breslau et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,303,970 and the Safianoff U.S. Pat.No. 3,575,319 disclose a pair of aerosol dispensing chambers havingdifferent fluids that are dispensed through outlet valves connectedthrough tubing to a single dispensing orifice. The outlet valves areactuated simultaneously by a trigger that is pivotally mounted to aframe that holds the aerosol chambers. Rotation of the trigger forcesthe valves downwardly to open the valves simultaneously.

Kasper et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,237 discloses a carpet extractor thathas a liquid dispensing and a liquid recovery system. The liquidextraction system includes a clean water tank and a solution tank thatare fluidly connected through a mixing valve for variable mixing ofwater with a cleaning solution. Kasper et al. '237 further disclosesthat an oxidizing agent, such as persalt, in conjunction with anactivator such as tetra acetyl ethylene diamine (TAED), can beincorporated into the cleaning solution, either in the clean water tank,or into the cleaning solution tank. The mixture is then heated in aninline heater to raise the temperature of the detergent oxidizing agentsolution into the range of 120-150° F. The oxidizing agent solution canbe added to the solution tank and the cleaning solution can be added tothe clean water tank. The cleaning solution and the oxidizing agent canthen be mixed, heated and applied to the floor. The cleaning solutioncan be applied to the surface to be cleaned either through a spraynozzle or the nozzle of the accessory hose. The oxidizing agent can beused with or without the inline block heater. The oxidizing agent can befurther used with or without the activating agent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, a manual spray cleaner comprises twoseparate chambers and a single dispensing outlet for dispensingcontrolled amounts of liquids from each of the chambers. One chambercontains a fabric/carpet cleaning composition and the other chambercontains an oxidizing composition that enhances the cleanability of thefabric/carpet cleaning composition. Either the oxidizing composition orthe fabric/carpet cleaning composition may optionally includefabric/carpet protectants such as anti-stain and/or anti-soilcompositions. In use, the fabric/carpet cleaning composition and theoxidizing composition are simultaneously drawn from their respectivechambers and mixed together at the time that they are dispensed from themanual spray cleaner. The two compositions can be mixed before they exitthe sprayer or may be mixed at the surface of the fabric or carpet. Thecompositions can be aerosol propelled or drawn from their respectivechambers by a mechanical means such as a pump.

The chambers are preferably made from extruded aluminum in a generallycylindrical shape with an open end. A dispensing opening in a cap isclosed by a valve assembly mounted within the chamber open end to closethe open end. The valve assembly includes a spring-biased valve toselectively close the dispensing opening for selective release of therespective compositions.

The oxidizing composition chamber valve is preferably made frompolypropylene. The cleaner composition chamber valve is preferably madefrom nylon. The valves have at least one orifice with a diameter ofbetween about 0.010 inches to 0.040 inches, preferably 0.020.

The chambers and associated valve components employ a separatorcomprising a coating of a material that is inert to the compositionscontained therein. Separation may be achieved by sprayed on coatings,laminates, or anodizing the interior surface of the chamber. The inertcoating material is selected from the group consisting of polyolefins,epoxy phenolics, polyamide-imides, and vinyl organisols. Further, thechambers are formed in part by an aluminum cup, laminated with amaterial inert to the composition, at the outlet opening of the chamber.Further, a dip tube is coated with a polyolefin, preferably high densitypolyethylene, that is inert to the composition.

In another embodiment, the chambers and associated valve assemblies aremade from steel and again employ a material that is inert to thecomposition contained therein.

The fabric/carpet cleaning composition preferably comprises one or morecleaning solvents, a surfactant and, optionally, a fragrance.Preferably, the fabric/carpet cleaning composition further includes a pHadjusting agent to maintain a pH level between 7.5 and 12.0, preferablyabout 9.5, in order to trigger release of oxygen in the oxidizingcomposition.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an aerosol propellantprovides the force to expel the fabric/cleaning composition from itschamber. Preferred propellants for the fabric/carpet cleaningcomposition include dimethyl ether (C₂H₆O, also known as DME),hydrocarbons, and natural gases such as compressed air, carbon dioxide,and nitrogen. The fabric/cleaning composition chamber is preferablyinitially pressurized to 45 pounds per square inch (psi) with thepropellant. The cleaning composition and aerosol propellant are combinedto create an internal pressure in the range of 1-100 pounds per squareinch (psi) with a preferred initial internal pressure of about 45 psi.

The oxidizing composition includes deionized water, a peroxygencompound, a stabilizer and, optionally, an anti-soil and/or anti-stainprotectant. The peroxygen composition preferably comprises a cosmeticgrade hydrogen peroxide in the range of 0.10%-10% by weight in anaqueous medium; however, other peroxygen compounds can be used. The pHof the oxidizing solution is in the range of about 1.5 to about 8.5,most preferably, about 6.8. The peroxygen composition enhances thecleanability of the fabric/carpet cleaning composition. Suitableanti-stain and anti-soil protectants include Scotchgard™ from the 3M™Company.

The pH of the cleaning composition and the oxidizing composition canvary over a relatively wide range but the pH of the cleaning compositionis greater than 7 and the pH of the oxidizing composition is below 7before mixture. The pH of the combined cleaning composition and theoxidizing composition is sufficiently greater than 7 to activate thedischarge of oxygen from the oxidizing solution for enhanced cleaning ofthe carpet surface. Preferably, the pH of the combined cleaningcomposition and the oxidizing composition is greater than 8, and in apreferred embodiment of the invention is about 8.3.

Similar to the fabric/cleaning composition chamber, an aerosolpropellant provides the force to expel the oxidizing composition fromits chamber. The aerosol propellant can be any suitable aerosolpropellant but is preferably dimethyl ether (DME), a fluorinatedhydrocarbon (HFC), or a compressed natural gas. The peroxygencomposition and aerosol propellant are combined to create an internalpressure in the range of 1-100 pounds per square inch (psi) with apreferred initial internal pressure of about 45 psi.

In one embodiment, the oxidizing composition includes a fabric/carpetprotectant. In another embodiment, the carpet cleaning compositionincludes a fabric/carpet protectant.

The invention provides for a compact package of an effective cleaningagent that includes an oxidizing agent that retains its effectivenessthroughout its storage life and is easily delivered to a carpet orupholstery surface with a carpet cleaning solution for spot cleaning.The cleaning compositions according to the invention thus packaged cantreat a wide variety of stains on carpet and fabric.

Further according to the invention, a method for cleaning a carpetcomprising the steps of simultaneously dispensing a fabric/carpetcleaning composition and an oxidizing composition that enhances thecleanability of the fabric/carpet cleaning composition from separatechambers onto the carpet surface and recovering a soiled carpet cleaningsolution from the carpet by blotting or other suitable means isdescribed.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carpet cleaningcomposition and the oxidizing composition are each aerosol propelledfrom the separate chambers. Alternatively, the dispensing step includesthe step of mechanically pumping each of the compositions from theirrespective chambers.

In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the step ofmixing the two compositions together before the dispensing step.Alternatively, the two compositions can be mixed together at the surfaceof the fabric or carpet after the dispensing step.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol dispenser according to theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view in section of the aerosol dispenserillustrated in FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view, like FIG. 2, of modified form of a dualaerosol dispenser according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an aerosoldispenser according to the invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the aerosol dispenser illustrated in FIG.4.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the aerosol dispenser illustrated in FIG.4 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a hollow conduit insert illustrated inFIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a mechanical breakup plug of the hollowconduit insert illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a terminal orifice of the hollow conduitinsert illustrated in FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, and to FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, thereis shown an aerosol dispenser for dispensing cleaning compositions andoxidants from aerosol chambers 10 and 14, which have conventional pushvalves 12 and 16 with outlet openings therein. Material selection forcomponents coming in contact with the contents of the chamber dependsupon the type of aerosol propellant and composition utilized in eachchamber. The preferred propellant is dimethyl ether (C₂ H₆O, also knownas DME). DME is not compatible with nylon; therefore, when DME is thepropellant, polypropylene is the preferred material for push valves 12,16. Alternative propellants can be chosen from the hydrofluorocarbon(HFC) family and particularly 1,1-difluoroethane (CH₃CHF₂). A suitablecommercially available HFC is Dymel 152A from Dupont. When Dymel 152A isutilized, nylon is the preferred material for push valves 12, 16. Asingle valve orifice with a diameter in the range of 0.010 inches to0.040 inches, and preferably 0.020 inches, is provided in each pushvalve 12, 16 to provide an adequate fluid flow therethrough.Alternatively, two valve orifices can be utilized in each push valve 12,16, each with a diameter in the range of 0.010 inches to 0.040 inches,and preferably 0.020 inches. Preferably, chambers 10, 14 are made fromdraw-formed aluminum to minimize the number of seams.

An inert material is applied to the inside surface of chambers 10, 14 tophysically separate the contents from the chamber surface. Reactions ofperoxygen compounds with metal ions can produce gas that may undesirablyincrease the pressure inside the chamber. Furthermore, any reaction thatmay occur inside the chamber decreases the cleaning capability of thesystem because less active ingredient is available at the time of use.The preferred separator is applied on the surfaces of the chamber andsome of the valve components that come in contact with the contents andis made from an inert polymer that is resistant to attack by peroxygencompositions and aerosol mixtures. Suitable commercially availableproducts include epoxy phenolics such as Epon, polyamide-imides such asPamasol, both available from Courtaulds Coatings, and vinyl organisolssuch as Micoflex available from Dexter International Corporation. In analternate embodiment, the separator is a polyethylene or polypropylenebag or laminate that is sealed at the chamber outlet openings 12, 16. Inanother alternate embodiment, the separator is a laminate applied to thechamber surfaces and comprises inert materials such aspolyethyleneterephthalate (PET) or polypropylene. In yet anotheralternative, the separator is formed by anodizing the interior surfaceof the aluminum chamber. Steel or tin-plated steel can be used as analternative to aluminum; however, a separator as previously described isrequired due to the high reactivity of ferrous ions with peroxygencompositions.

A dispensing head 36 has at a lower portion thereof a retaining skirt38, which is adapted to releasably retain aerosol chambers 10 and 14.The dispensing head 36 further has a grip 40 that extends upwardly fromthe retaining skirt 38 and forms a hand grip for the user of thedispenser. A head 42 is connected to the top of the grip 40 and has aspray nozzle 44 at one end thereof. A cam trigger 28 is mounted to thegrip 40 beneath the head 42.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the skirt 38 mounts a pressure plate 18 forvertical reciprocatory movement therein. The pressure plate 18 hasopenings 46 and 48 in register with the push valves 12 and 16,respectively. The openings 46 and 48 are connected through tubes 22 and24 to a mixing tube 26 that terminates in the spray nozzle 44. The camtrigger 28 is pivotally mounted to the grip 40 through a pivot pin 30.The cam trigger 28 has a lower cam surface 50 that interfaces with a camfollower 20.

As the cam trigger 28 is squeezed inwardly, it forces the cam follower20 and, thus, the pressure plate 18 downwardly to simultaneously openthe push valves 12 and 16. Thus, equal amounts of the solution in theaerosol chambers 10 and 14 are simultaneously dispensed through thetubes 22 and 24 respectively and into the mixing tube 26. The mixedsolutions are sprayed through the spray nozzle 44 on to a surface to becleaned.

Referring now to FIG. 3, where like numerals have been used to designatelike parts, the pressure plate 18 is mounted for horizontaltranslational movement with respect to the skirt 38. The cam trigger 32has a cam finger 34, which is pivotally mounted to the pressure plate18. Thus, as the cam trigger 32 is squeezed and rotates about the pivotpin 30, the pressure plate 18 will be translated horizontally and to theright as viewed in FIG. 3 to open the valves 12 and 16. In this manner,predetermined proportions of solutions in the aerosol chambers 10 and 14are simultaneously dispensed through the tubes 22 and 24 respectively,and into the mixing tube 26 from which the mixture is dispensed throughthe spray nozzle 44.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 through 9, there is shown an alternativeembodiment of an aerosol dispenser 60 comprising a push valve assembly110 for each chamber 10, 14, an actuator top 62, a handle base 64, and adispensing tube 66. Aerosol chambers 10 and 14 are releasably mountedwithin the handle base 64.

As depicted in FIG. 6, the push valve assembly 110 comprises a valve cup112, a stem 114, a housing 116, a gasket 118, a spring 120, and a diptube 122. The valve cup 112 has an annular lip sized to receive chamber10 or 14. Further, the center of the valve cup 112 has an opening 126therethrough. Preferably, the valve cup 112 is formed of the samematerial as the chambers 10, 14 and lined with a suitable separatormaterial as described above for the chambers. Specifically, the chamber10, 14 and valve cup 112 are made of the same material type andpreferably are comprised of aluminum. Alternatively, these componentscan be made of steel or tin-plated steel. Valve cup 112 may optionallycomprise a separator, or liner, as described above. The valve stem 114has a solid lower end, a hollow upper end, a reduced diameter sectiontherebetween, and preferably one, and optionally two, valve orificeslocated in the side that are in fluid communication with the hollowupper end. The valve stem 114 is received in the opening 126 of thevalve cup 112, with the gasket 118 located between the solid lower endof the stem 114 and the cup 112. The housing 116 has a hollowcylindrical upper portion, a reduced diameter hollow lower portion, anda flange therebetween. The housing 116 surrounds the stem 114, abuts thegasket 118 at its upper end, and is secured in place by the valve cup112. Inside the housing 116, the spring 120 is positioned between thelower end of the stem 114 and the flange of the housing 116 and biasesthe stem 114 such that the valve orifices are positioned at or above thegasket 118. The hollow dip tube 122 is connected to and in fluidcommunication with the lower portion of the housing 116 and extends tothe bottom of the chamber 10 or 14.

The stem 114 and the housing 116 are made from nylon or polypropylenedepending upon the propellant used and the nature of the composition. Inthe cleaner composition, any propellant may be used and nylon is thepreferred material for the stem 114 and housing 116. In the peroxygencontainer, nylon is preferred when HFC is the aerosol propellant.Polypropylene may be used when any propellant other than HFC isutilized. The gasket 118 is preferably formed from a resilient material,such as Buna-Nitrile (Buna-N) or Butyl, common gasket materials used inthe aerosol dispenser industry. The spring 120 and the dip tube 122 arepreferably composed of stainless steel and polyethylene, respectively.The invention should not be limited to type of push valve assembly 110described herein, and other push valves well known to those skilled inthe art can be utilized with the aerosol dispenser.

The actuator top 62 has a cover housing 70 with an integrally formedactuator finger 72 and a thumb tab 74. The actuator finger 72 isseparated along its sides by slots 76, has cam levers 78 that extenddownward therefrom, and is resiliently cantilevered from a front portionof the cover housing 70. The actuator top 62 is formed from a resilientplastic material, preferably by injection molding.

The handle base 64, best shown in FIG. 5, comprises an outer wall 80having a slot 82 at one end in which is mounted the end of thedispensing tube 66. The handle base 64 further comprises a pair ofarcuate inner walls 84, which with outer wall 80 forms cylindricalsockets for the aerosol chambers 10 and 14. The arcuate inner walls 84each have a vertical slot extending from a top portion substantiallyidentical with the slot 82 in the outer wall 80. A handle 88 isintegrally formed with the outer wall 80 and is designed so that a usercan grip the handle 88 with his or her hand and apply thumb pressure atthumb tab 74 to the actuator finger 72. An integral lock (not shown) canbe formed on an outer end of the actuator finger 72 and projectdownwardly thereof to abut the handle 88 and prevent depression of theactuator finger 72 prior to sale and use of the dispenser. The integrallock can be attached to the handle 88 with a frangible connection andthus easily removed when it is desirable to dispense the contents of theaerosol chambers 10 and 14.

Referring to FIGS. 5-9, the dispensing tube 66, preferably formed frompolypropylene, comprises connecting tubes 92 in fluid communication withthe interior of a hollow conduit 90 having a closed end 94 and a nozzleend 96. The connecting tubes 92 have an open lower end sized to receivethe hollow upper end of the valve stem 114. Dispensing tube 66 furthercomprises a hollow conduit insert 102. Hollow conduit insert 102 is arod shaped structure that fits tightly against an upper wall of thehollow conduit 90 but leaves a cavity 103 of a predetermined volume at alower wall of the hollow conduit 90. The cavity is in fluidcommunication with connecting tubes 92 and, therefore, with the hollowupper end of the valve stem 114. A mechanical breakup plug 104, bestseen in FIGS. 7 and 8, is located on one end of the conduit insert 102and forms a part of the nozzle end 96. A spray aperture 106 of apredetermined size is formed at a lower portion of the mechanicalbreakup plug 104 and aligned with the cavity 103.

A terminal orifice 100, best seen in FIG. 9, is fixedly attached to themechanical breakup plug 104 and comprises an at least one generallycircular terminal aperture 108, preferably having a diameter in therange of 0.020 to 0.040 inches, therethrough that is in fluidcommunication with the spray aperture 106 and, therefore, the cavity 103and the connecting tubes 92. The mechanical breakup plug and theterminal orifice force a disrupted flow pattern at the nozzle end 96 ofthe hollow conduit 90 wherein the contents are mixed and delivered underpressure to the surface to be cleaned.

The sealed and pressurized chamber is capable of containing excessivepressure created if the oxidant should come in contact with a reactantinside the chamber, such as flaws in the separator material, contactwith an activator, or trace contaminants in the compounding solvents.The chamber is designed to an aerosol industry standard 18 bar strengthlevel to provide an adequate safety margin. In the preferred embodiment,the chamber buckle strength is no less than 250 psi and the burststrength no less than 320 psi.

In operation, the aerosol chambers 10 and 14 are equipped with the pushvalve assemblies 110 by attaching the cups 112 thereto and arereleasably mounted within the outer walls 80 of the aerosol dispenser 60so that the valve stems 114 are seated within the open outer end of theconnecting tubes 92. The dispensing tube 66 fits within the slots 82 inthe outer wall 80 and within the slots 86 in the arcuate inner walls 84for vertical reciprocatory movement therein. The top surface of thedispensing tube 66 abuts the underside of the cam levers 78. When a usergrips the handle 88 and depresses the actuator finger 72 through thumbpressure at the thumb tab 74, the cam levers 78 are driven downwardlywith respect to the handle base 64 to thereby depress the valve stems114 and the springs 120 so that the valve orifices in the stems 114 arepositioned below the gasket 118. In this configuration, the valveorifices are in fluid communication with the housing 116 and the diptube 122. As a result, the contents of the aerosol chamber arerespectively dispensed in equal proportion through the push valveassembly 100 via the dip tube 122, the housing 116, the valve orifices,and the hollow upper end of the stem 114; through the connecting tubes92; through the cavity 103 of the hollow conduit 90; through the sprayaperture 106 of the mechanical breakup plug 104, and through theterminal aperture 108. The pressure in the aerosol chambers 10 and 14forces the mixture of cleaning solution and oxidizing solution throughthe terminal aperture 108 in a spray pattern to spray on a carpet orfabric surface. When the pressure on the actuator finger 72 is released,the dispensing tube 66 rises in the slots 82 and 86 under springpressure from the push valve assemblies 110 to cease the flow of thecleaning composition and the oxidizing composition from the aerosolchambers 10 and 14.

The proper combination of valve orifice size, cavity 103, terminalaperture 108 size, and propellant pressure are required to achieve thedesired ratio and flow rate of cleaning compositions and oxidants andspray pattern for a given distance from the surface to be cleaned.Preferably, a 1:1 ratio of cleaning composition and oxidant is dispensedat a flow rate of 3-8 grams per second, preferably 5 grams per second,in a circular spray pattern having a diameter less than 2 inches whenthe chambers 10, 14 are 2 feet away from the target surface.

A fabric/carpet cleaning formula composition for removing stains andsoil from carpets and fabrics such as upholstery fabrics is filled intoone of the aerosol chambers. This composition includes one or morecleaning solvents, a surfactant, de-ionized water and, optionally, afragrance. According to the invention, the cleaning composition furtherincludes a pH adjusting agent to maintain a pH in the cleaning solutionbetween 7.5 and 12.0 in order to trigger release of oxygen in theoxidizing composition. The cleaning composition can also include ananti-stain and/or anti-resoil agent. An example of the anti-stainprotectant is PM 1874, a sulfo-methacrylate resin, manufactured by the3M Company. An example of the anti-soil component is PM 1870, apolysilosane derivative in the silsesquioxane chemical family, alsomanufactured by the 3M Company. Other components may include acrylicpolymers.

De-ionized water is preferred as the solvent medium for the cleaningcomposition. The de-ionized water minimizes contamination of thecleaning solution from trace minerals in the water. One advantage ofusing de-ionized water as a solvent is that it evaporates with little orno residue after delivering cleaning agents to the carpet or upholstery.Alternative cleaning solvents can be one or more glycol ethers, forexample dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, or Glycol Ether DPM, andpropylene glycol normal propyl ether, Glycol Ether PNP, or one of theterpenes such as natural terpenes including d-limonene. These componentscan be present in the cleaning composition in effective amounts. Forexample, the Glycol Ether DPM can be present in the range of 0.5 to 1.5,preferably 0.8 wt. % in the composition. Glycol Ether PNP can be presentin the range of 0.8-15.0, preferably 7.2 wt. %. D-limonene, when used,can be present in the range of 0.1 to 5.0, preferably 0.3 wt. % in thecomposition.

Non-ionic surfactants can be present in a range of about 0.1 to 2.0.Tomadol 23-6.5, a non-ionic surfactant comprising ethylene oxideattached to lineal alcohol, is preferably present at about 0.8 wt. %.Alternatively, Neodol 23-6.5, another alcohol ether, can be present atabout 1.8 wt. %.

The EDTA can be present in amounts between about 0.1 and 5.0, preferably0.4 wt %, in compositions that include 40% EDTA solution.

In the aerosol propelled composition embodiment, the propellant for bothchambers is preferably dimethyl ether (C₂H₆O, also known as DME). Analternative propellant can be the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) family,particularly 1,1-difluoroethane (CH₃CHF₂). A suitable commerciallyavailable HFC is Dymel 152A from Dupont. The concentration of Dymel 152Ain the cleaning composition can be in the range of 1%-25% by weight andpreferably 5%. Yet other alternative propellants include hydrocarbonssuch as isobutane (C₄H₁₀), propane (C₃H₈), and liquefied petroleum gas;and natural gases including compressed air, carbon dioxide, andnitrogen.

Pressurization within the cleaning composition chamber can range from 1to 100 pounds per square inch (psi). When DME is the propellant, dual0.020 inch push valve orifices and an internal pressure of 45 psi arepreferred. When a HFC propellant is used, a single 0.020 inch orifice isemployed at an internal pressure of 70 psi.

The pH adjusting agent is also used to remove trace amounts of iron andother contaminates. A typical pH agent is EDTA (ethyleneditetramine).Other suitable pH agents include disodium EDTA, an example of which isHampene Na2.

The cleaning composition can further include an activator for theoxidizing composition. The preferred activator is sodium carbonate,however, other suitable activators include metals ions, metals salts,and other carbonates such as sodium bicarbonate. Still other suitableactivators include tetraacetylethylenediamine, sodium octanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, sodium nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate, sodiumdecanoyloxybenzene sulfonate, (6-octanamido-caproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate,(6-nonanamido-caproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate, 6-decanamido-caproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate, and mixtures thereof. In the preferred embodiment,sodium carbonate can be added as an activator in an amount of at least0.1 wt. % and preferably 0.5 wt. % to reach a stoichiometric ratio ofactivator to reactant.

The cleaning composition can also include anionic surfactants thatcreate a friable residue that can be vacuumed after the cleaningprocess. A suitable anionic surfactant is sodium lauroyl sarcosinate,such as Hamposyl L-30 Type 724, and can be present in suitable amounts,for example between 1.0 and 6.0, preferably 3.3 wt. %.

In addition to the foregoing, the cleaning composition can furtherinclude a dispersant for soil and a further pH stabilizer such asAlcosperse 602N, which is an acrylate polymer.

The oxidizing composition is filled into the other aerosol chamber andincludes de-ionized water, a peroxygen compound, a stabilizer and,optionally, anti-soil and/or anti-stain protectants. An example of theanti-stain protectant is PM 1874, manufactured by the 3M Company. Anexample of the anti-soil component is PM 1870 from the silsesquioxanechemical family, also manufactured by the 3M Company. Other componentsmay include acrylic polymers. Suitable soil-resist or anti-soilcompositions are disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,290, which isincorporated herein by reference.

The de-ionized water in the oxidizing solution is present in a range ofabout 70 to about 99 wt. %, preferably about 88.3 wt. %. De-ionizedwater is important in the oxidizing solution to minimize contaminantsthat will initiate activation inside the chamber, reducing the cleaningefficacy of the composition and creating an undesirable increase ininternal pressure. The peroxygen compound can be present in a range ofabout 0.4% to 29%, preferably 11.4%, of the active ingredients resultingin a total fill concentration of about 0.1%-10% by weight with apreferred value of about 4 wt. %.

The peroxygen compound is preferably a cosmetic grade hydrogen peroxide(H₂O₂), however other peroxygen compounds can be used. A suitablecommercially available 35% cosmetic grade hydrogen peroxide is availablefrom the Degussa Company and is preferred because of its superiorstability characteristics and extended shelf life. Other suitablehydrogen peroxides are available from Solvay Interox. Yet anothersuitable hydrogen peroxide is provided by FMC Industrial Chemicals underthe trade names Hybrite 32.5%, Durox, Oxypure 35%, Standard 27.5 35%,Super D 25 and 35, Technical 35%, Chlorate Grade 20%, Semiconductor Reg,Seg, RGS, RGS 2, RGS 2, 31%. Alternatively, the peroxygen compound canbe a preformed peracid compound selected from the group consisting ofpercarboxylic acid and salts, percarbonic acids and salts, perimidicacids and salts, peroxymonosulfuric acids and salts, and mixturesthereof; a persalt such as perborate compounds, percarbonate compounds,perphosphate compounds and mixtures thereof; or a peroxide compound.

The anti-stain ingredient in the oxidizing solution can be present inabout 1 to 5 wt. %, typically about 1.7 wt. %. The anti-soil ingredientis typically present in less than 1% by weight, typically about 0.3 wt.% in the composition.

The pH stabilizer will maintain the oxidizing composition at a pH levelin the range of 1.5 to 8.5, preferably about 6.8. Pentasodiumdiethylenetriamine pentaacetate, for example Versenex 80, is anappropriate pH stabilizer when oxidative conditions exist. It will alsoneutralize any trace elements of contaminates in the oxidizingcomposition.

The aerosol propellant for the oxidizing composition is preferablydimethyl ether (C₂H₆O, also known as DME). Alternative propellants maybe chosen from the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) family, hydrocarbons, andnatural gasses. A suitable HFC is 1,1-difluoroethane (CH₃CHF₂),commercially available as Dymel 152A from Dupont. The concentration ofDymel 152A in the oxidizing composition can be in the range of 1%-25% byweight, preferably 5%. A particularly suitable hydrocarbon is N-Butane(C₄H₁₀). Alternative hydrocarbon materials include isobutane (C₄H₁₀),propane (C₃H₈), and liquefied petroleum gas. Natural gases includecompressed air, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen.

Pressurization within the oxidizing chamber can range from 1 to 100pounds per square inch (psi). When DME is the propellant, a single 0.020inch orifice is preferred at a preferred pressure of about 45 psi.Alternatively, dual 0.020 inch orifices can be employed with DME. WhenHFC is the propellant, a single valve orifice of 0.018 inches is usedand the preferred pressure is about 70 psi.

The pH values of the cleaning composition and the oxidizing compositioncan vary over a wide range but are selected, taking into considerationthe volume of each composition that is dispensed simultaneously, so thatthe pH of the combined cleaning composition and the oxidizingcomposition is sufficiently greater than 7 to activate the discharge ofoxygen from the oxidizing solution for enhanced cleaning of the carpetsurface. In a preferred embodiment the pH is the combined cleaningcomposition and the cleaning composition is greater than 8, preferablyabout 8.3.

EXAMPLES

Spot cleaning compositions were prepared with the following ingredientsin Table 1:

TABLE 1 CLEANING COMPOSITIONS INGREDIENTS A E B F G C D H DeionizedWater 83.40 83.67 82.90 83.40 83.50 83.80 90.80 89.35 Sodium Carbonate0.50 0.40 0.50 0.50 0.50 Dowanol PNP¹ 15.00 15.00 14.70 15.00 14.8015.00 Fragrance² 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.05 Tomadol 23-6.5³ 0.80 0.66 0.800.66 0.80 0.60 0.70 Petro ULF⁴ 0.20 0.17 0.80 0.34 0.20 d-limonene 0.300.10 0.30 EDTA, 40% 0.40 0.40 Glycol Ether DPM 0.80 0.50 Glycol EtherPNP 7.20 4.50 Hampene Na2⁵ 0.50 Neodol 23-6.5⁶ 1.80 Hamposyl L-30 Type724⁷ 3.30 Alcosperse 602N⁸ INGREDIENTS I L J K M O N P Deionized Water88.85 85.80 82.90 82.90 87.00 89.70 89.9 90.80 Sodium Carbonate DowanolPNP¹ Fragrance² 0.05 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 Tomadol 23-6.5³Petro ULF⁴ d-limonene EDTA, 40% 0.50 0.40 Glycol Ether DPM 0.50 0.801.50 7.20 0.80 7.20 0.80 Glycol Ether PNP 4.50 7.20 13.50 15.00 0.807.20 0.80 7.20 Hampene Na2⁵ Neodol 23-6.5⁶ 1.80 1.80 1.00 1.00 0.40 0.700.50 0.70 Hamposyl L-30 Type 724⁷ 3.30 3.30 3.00 1.00 Alcosperse 602N⁸1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.50 1.50 ¹Glycol ether, a solvent, manufactured byDow Chemical Company ²Sapphire fragrance, manufactured by Firmenich³Linear primary alcohol ethoxylate, a non-ionic surfactant, manufacturedby Tomah Chemical Company ⁴Sodium alkyl napthelene sulfonate from AKZONobel ⁵Disodium EDTA, manufactured by Hampshire Chemical ⁶Alcohol ether,a non-ionic surfactant, manufactured by Shell Chemicals ⁷Sodium lauroylsarcosinate, an anionic surfactant, manufactured by Hampshire Chemical⁸Acrylate polymer, a pH stabilizer, manufactured by Alco Chemical

For all of the samples, the pH of the cleaning composition was 11.3±0.3.

The compositions of the oxidizing solutions were as follows in Table 2:

TABLE 2 OXIDIZING SOLUTIONS INGREDIENTS A B C Deionized Water 88.3077.70 79.70 Hydrogen Peroxide, Cosmetic Grade 35% 11.40 20.00 20.00Versenex 80¹ 0.30 0.30 0.30 PM 1874² 1.70 PM 1870³ 0.30 ¹Pentasodiumdiethylenetriamine pentaacetate, a pH stabilizer, manufactured by DowChemical Company ²Sulfo-methacrylic polymer, an anti-stain protectants,manufactured by the 3M Company ³Polysilosane derivative, an anti-soilingredient, manufactured by the 3M Company

For all of the samples, the pH of the oxidizing solution was 6.8±0.3.

Any of the cleaning compositions may be combined with any of theoxidizing solutions to achieve acceptable cleaning results. Thepreferred combinations are shown in Table 3. Although any combination ofcleaner and oxidizer will result in acceptable results, each combinationexhibits different characteristics. From a chemistry perspective, thetechnically superior result is a combination of cleaner A and oxidizerA. However, when cost of ingredients is taken into account, cleaner Ccombined with oxidizer A is the best choice for consumer value. The bestcleaning performance was exhibited by cleaner A combined with oxidizerC, and the best protection was provided by cleaner A combined withoxidizer B.

TABLE 3 PREFERRED COMBINATIONS COMPO- TECHNICALLY SUPERIOR SUPERIORMARKET SITION SUPERIOR CLEANER PROTECTION CHOICE Cleaning A A A C Compo-sition Oxidizing A C B A Solution

The pH of the combined cleaning composition and oxidizing solution asexpelled for all samples was 8.3±0.3.

Test Method

Two separate chambers were partially filled with the carpet cleaningsolution and the oxidizing solution. The chambers were then partiallyfilled with an aerosol propellant. The two compositions were thendispensed through a common spray nozzle onto carpet samples that hadbeen pretreated with stains from red wine, grape juice, spaghetti sauce,chocolate syrup, red lipstick, and blue ballpoint pen ink. The carpetswere scrubbed moderately with a brush and then were vacuumed with asuction cleaner to remove the soiled solution. Cleaning was measuredusing a calibrated spectrophotometer on the stain at both the front andback of the carpet sample. Results were calculated as ΔE, the differencein spectrophotometer readings from the clean, virgin carpet and thecarpet after the stain was removed (ΔE=virgin reading−cleaned reading).The lower the ΔE value, the less stain remains. The stains weresatisfactorily removed. The average results for each stain for thepreferred combination of cleaner C and oxidizer A (Market Choice fromTable 3) are presented in Table 4.

TABLE 4 RESULTS OF SIGNIFICANT OUTCOMES FOR MARKET CHOICE STAIN ΔE VALUEGrape Juice 2.97 Koolaid (Cherry) 8.03 Coffee 5.99 Red Wine 3.72 Cola1.59 Lipstick (Red) 15.97 Spaghetti 13.67 Black Ink 44.25 Dirty MotorOil 21.26 Chocolate Syrup 27.27

Whereas the invention has been described with respect to an aerosoldispensing package for the cleaning solution and oxidizing solution,many other delivery forms can be used. For example, a dual siphon manualtrigger dispenser having a fixed or variable ratio can be used. Suchmanual trigger dispensers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,332,157,4,862,052, 4,821,923 and 4,432,469, all of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

The cleaning solution and oxidizing solution can be dispensed fromseparate squeeze chambers. For example, a dual chamber blow moldedbottle, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,055, 4,835,804,4,776,972 or 4,720,351 can be used.

The trigger can be battery powered as well as being manual. It can havea fixed or variable ratio.

Another alternative chamber and dispensing system for the cleaningcomposition and oxidizing compositions according to the invention is adual chamber squeeze bottle as, for example disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,585,149 or 6,216,915, both of which patents are incorporated herein byreference.

Anti-stain compositions according to the invention are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,948,480. Anti-soil compositions used in the invention aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,043,209, 5,534,167, 5,888,290, all ofwhich are enclosed herewith by reference.

Still further, the cleaning and/or oxidizing solution can themselvescontain components which, when mixed, generate heat so that the cleaningand oxidizing solution applied to a surface are applied at elevatedtemperatures. Examples of compositions and systems for generating heatin the cleaning and/or oxidizing solutions are disclosed in U.S.Publication No. US-2003-0075203-A1, which was published on Apr. 24,2003, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the forgoingdisclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of theinvention that is defined in the appended claims.

1. A kit for removing dirt and stains from fabrics and carpetscomprising: a cleaning composition; an oxidizing composition thatenhances the cleanability of the cleaning composition; and a containerhaving: a first chamber; a second chamber; and a dispensing systemhaving a single dispensing spray outlet for dispensing controlledamounts of fluids from each of the first and second chambers; whereinthe cleaning composition is stored in one of the first and secondchambers and the oxidizing composition is stored in the other of thefirst and second chambers, and wherein the dispensing system isconfigured to simultaneously dispense the cleaning composition and theoxidizing composition from their respective chambers, mix the cleaningcomposition and the oxidizing compositions together, and dispense amixture of the cleaning composition and the oxidizing composition fromthe container.
 2. A kit according to claim 1 wherein the dispensingsystem is adapted to mix the cleaning composition and the oxidizingcomposition together at least one of in the single dispensing sprayoutlet before they are sprayed from the dispensing spray outlet and atthe surface of the fabric or carpet after they are sprayed from thedispensing spray outlet.
 3. A kit according to claim 1 wherein thedispensing system includes at least one of aerosol propellants in eachof the first and second chambers to pressurize the fluid in each of thefirst and second chambers and a mechanical pump for drawing fluid fromeach of the first and second chambers for dispensing the cleaningcomposition and the oxidizing composition from their respective firstand second chambers.
 4. A kit according to claim 1 wherein the cleaningcomposition comprises at least one of a cleaning solvent, a surfactant,an anti-soil agent, an anti-resoil agent, a fragrance and combinationsthereof and the oxidizing composition comprises at least one ofdeionized water, a peroxide compound, a stabilizer, an anti-soil agent,an anti-stain agent and combinations thereof.
 5. A kit according toclaim 4 wherein the cleaning composition further includes a pH adjustingagent to maintain a pH in the cleaning solution between 7.5 and 12.0 inorder to trigger release of oxygen in the oxidizing composition.
 6. Akit according to claim 5 wherein the pH of oxidizing composition is inthe range of about 1.5 to about 8.5.
 7. A kit according to claim 1wherein the oxidizing composition comprises hydrogen peroxide.
 8. A kitaccording to claim 1 wherein each of the first and second chambersfurther comprises an aerosol, an outlet with a valve assembly to controlthe flow of fluid through the outlet, and a dip tube connected to thevalve assembly for dispensing fluid under pressure from each of thefirst and second chambers.
 9. A kit according to claim 8 wherein the oneof the first and second chambers storing the oxidizing composition ismade from one of aluminum, steel and zinc-plated steel and has a coatingof a material inert to a peroxide compound in the oxidizing compositionon an inner wall of the one of the first and second chambers that is incontact with the oxidizing composition.
 10. A kit according to claim 8wherein the one of the first and second chamber storing the oxidizingcomposition is formed in part by a cup, and the outlet opening for theone of the first and second chambers is positioned in the cup, and thecup is formed of at least one of aluminum, steel and zinc-plated steeland has a coating of a material inert to a peroxide compound in theoxidizing composition.
 11. A kit according to claim 8 wherein theaerosol propellant for the one of the first and second chambers storingthe oxidizing composition is a fluorinated hydrocarbon and the aerosolpropellant for the other of the first and second chambers storing thecleaning composition is dimethyl ether and the valves for the first andsecond chambers have at least one orifice.
 12. A method for cleaning acarpet surface comprising the steps of: simultaneously dispensing acleaning composition and an oxidizing composition that enhances thecleanability of the cleaning composition from separate first and secondchambers onto the carpet surface; and recovering a soiled cleaningsolution from the carpet.
 13. A method of cleaning a carpet according toclaim 12 wherein the dispensing step comprises one of aerosol propellingthe cleaning composition and the oxidizing composition from each of thefirst and second chambers and mechanically pumping the cleaningcomposition and the oxidizing composition from each of the first andsecond chambers.
 14. A method of cleaning a carpet according to claim 12and further comprising the step of mixing the cleaning composition andthe oxidizing composition together one of before the dispensing step andat the surface of the carpet after the dispensing step.
 15. A method ofcleaning a carpet according to claim 12 wherein the cleaning compositioncomprises at least one of a cleaning solvent, a surfactant, an anti-soilagent, an anti-stain agent a fragrance and combinations thereof and theoxidizing composition comprises at least one of deionized water, aperoxide compound, a stabilizer, an anti-soil agent, an anti-stain agentand combinations thereof.
 16. A method of cleaning a carpet according toclaim 15 wherein the cleaning composition further includes a pHadjusting agent to maintain a pH in the cleaning solution between 7.5and 12.0 in order to trigger release of oxygen in the oxidizingcomposition.
 17. A method of cleaning a carpet according to claim 16wherein the pH of the oxidizing composition is in the range of about 1.5to about 8.5.
 18. A method of cleaning a carpet according to claim 12wherein the oxidizing composition comprises hydrogen peroxide.
 19. Amethod of cleaning a carpet according to claim 12 wherein the pH of thecleaning composition is greater than 7 and the pH of the oxidizingcomposition is below 7, and wherein the pH of the combined cleaningcomposition and the oxidizing composition is sufficiently greater than 7to activate the discharge of oxygen from the oxidizing composition forenhanced cleaning of the carpet surface.
 20. A method of cleaning acarpet according to claim 19 wherein the pH of the combined cleaningcomposition and the oxidizing composition is greater than 8.